10 Best Colognes For Men To Try In 2022 (2023)

The best new fragrances for him:

A good men's fragrance is the perfect way to punctuate any outfit. And although a well-tailored suit and a fresh haircut certainly give power in your style arsenal, it is still the finishing touch that sets the tone. When your aim is to dress for success, be mindful to choose the right scent that works for your personality and body chemistry.

And while the mens perfume continues to accelerate in numbers, there are still only a few that stand out above the rest of the market segmentation. From classic woody scents with impressive longevity to bracing citrus notes – and some newer launches that challenge the traditional gender lines – my team and I concluded that the the most memorable fragrances for men are set and ready to take on the 2022 new year.

Today, shopping can prove to be quite the task, especially if you’re doing it online. Firstly, there are an abundant number of options to choose from and make your selection. In fact, product offerings today extend from a range of notes as well as a range in price. Henceforth, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. When consumers become overwhelmed, they become dissatisfied.

A lot of people unknowingly select a fragrance based on their perception of the advertising campaign. I mean, who doesn’t want to be shirtless on a deserted island with a supermodel or diving off a cliff in Santorini like an adonis.

Like a sharp haircut or a perfectly ironed shirt, the right fragrance should perform for you. The question is; what are you looking for? If your goal is to wear a fragrance that will last the whole day, it’s an eau de parfum you’ll wish to purchase.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh replacement (of your favorite fragrance from a decade ago) or you’re aiming to stay on-trend, educating yourself from the history of men's fragrance to current selections for 2022, there is a scent that will be just right for you

My team and I have rounded-up 10 of the best colognes for men to try in 2022. These picks don’t just make you smell good but rather deliver multisensory experiences and evoke the confidence required to jumpstart your day. More to my point, fragrance is very important on the path to dressing for success. It should not be disregarded when the aim is corporate ascension. It lends confidence to the wearer throughout the day,evening and beyond....

Scroll down and find the one that is just right for you - especially as a stocking stuffer this Holiday Season. (wink, wink)

1. Atlantis EDP by Blu Atlas

Blu Atlas - If you live a natural and active lifestyle, opt for a fragrance that matches your independent, masculine spirit. While mainstream colognes use mysterious chemicals and petrol-based phthalates, this Blu Atlas cologne leverages all-natural ingredients for an aromatic and earthy fragrance that features key notes of bergamot, clary sage, and patchouli. Take a walk on the wild side and pick up this Atlantis EDP today. $100

2. Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille

Tom Ford: Grandpa’s smoking jacket meets Grandma’s freshly baked vanilla cookies in this unexpected but oh-so-right fusion. This is a cologne that serves as the epitome of fall and winter scents—but without the burning wood. Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille delivers. The medley blends the smoky scent of tobacco with creamy vanilla, tonka bean, dry fruit accents and sweet wood sap for a sumptuous result that’s all things warm and spicy. With a refined balance that is not overly sweet or overly smoky, the smell remains warm, inviting and—most importantly—worthy of compliments.

3. BLEU DE CHANEL

BLEU DE CHANEL Don’t let the unassuming packaging of this fragrance fool you—inside the sleek bottle lives a cologne that commands a strong presence. It’s statement-worthy but not overpoweringly so. You’ll be able to walk into a room and own BLEU DE CHANEL as your signature scent. Earthy and woody, with hints of citrus, this fresh scent also boasts warm notes of vanilla and tonka bean for an unexpected flair. It’s a classic scent that will never go out of style, and will last on your skin long after application.

4. Versace Eros

Versace Eros With notes of vetiver, orange blossom and Madagascar vanilla, Eros evokes all things love, passion and beauty. Inspired by Greek mythology, this ode to Eros (the god of love) screams passion through a unique blend of geranium flower, Italian lemon zest and cedarwood. Playful and warm yet sexy and charming, Eros expertly blends minty freshness with a touch of sweetness for an irresistible result that’s as enchanting as it is tantalizing. Best part: Its cool spiciness means it’s suitable for all seasons.

5. DOLCE & GABBANA K by Dolce & Gabbana

DOLCE & GABBANA K by Dolce & Gabbana—You deserve a cologne that’s as royal as you are, and this pick from Dolce & Gabbana checks all the boxes. Expertly fusing citrus (thanks to aromatic blood orange and Sicilian lemon scent) with woodsy (by way of crisp geranium and invigorating lavandin), you’ll eventually get to the final note of sensuality as the cologne wears throughout the day. It’s bold but not too intense, fruity yet warm, and incredibly wearable. Not to mention, the crown cap serves as a daily reminder of who’s boss—and is sure to set you on the right path for a productive day.

6. Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum

Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum—Not for the faint of the heart, this blazing cologne has been dubbed the white T-shirt and black jacket of fragrances. Encompassing the sophistication of sage and geranium, this is a bold occasional scent that’s fit for something special, whether it be a weekend in the city or a rooftop soiree. With amber wood lending its grizzled, woody aroma, this cologne makes a masculine mark with mysterious notes that’ll have passersby wondering what they just got a whiff of. And, what’s more, this cologne easily crosses the 10-hour mark in terms of wearability and staying power.

7. Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory

Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory As the trophy-shaped bottle suggests, you’ll be celebrating victory with this cologne from Paco Rabanne. Equal parts crisp and bold, Victory is a true match made in scent heaven. One whiff is all you’ll need to instantly smell the refreshing lemon and full-bodied tonka bean, with hints of energizing lavender and sweet vanilla sprinkled in between. Especially appropriate to be worn in the summer (thanks to the citrus notes), yet equally as inviting to sport year-round (with its spicy undertones), Victory is a smooth fragrance that boasts impressive staying power and a luxurious aroma.

8. Valentino Uomo Born in Roma

Valentino Uomo Born in Roma If the studded design of Born in Roma’s all-black glass bottle doesn’t make you want to whip out your matching Versace loafers, we don’t know what will. An exotic, captivating cologne that commands charisma, this pick makes use of edgy mineral salt and spicy ginger for an intricate, layered aroma that will effortlessly mix with your body chemistry for a unique scent. Universally flattering in all the right ways, this pick walks a fine line: It’s sweet and spicy, yet crisp and bold. What may feel like a strong whiff at first spray mellows out into woodier tones that linger throughout the day. Born in Roma is brilliance in its purest form.

9. Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Toilette

Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Toilette Let’s just say the compliments will come pouring in with this pick from Prada. Exuding all things class, this cologne is the epitome of versatility, with the ability to perform as both an everyday fragrance fit for your 9-to-5 as well as a nighttime fragrance that’s perfect for nights out on the town. Its oceanic qualities mix bergamot with iris for a refreshingly masculine scent that’s never overpowering. The bottle is marked with the signature red Prada line, which the brand describes as a symbol of innovation. It’s a true staple for every type of man.

10. Givenchy Pi Eau de Toilette

Givenchy Pi Eau de Toilette For the adventurer at heart, Givenchy’s Pi calls out notes of mandarin, pine needles and rosemary. The result is nothing short of sensational, boasting an androgynous characteristic that’s as worldly as it is inviting. Benzoin offers a vanilla-like scent, while guaiac wood evokes the scent of a burning winter campfire. Birchy scent aside, Pi features a unique bottle designed by Serge Manseau—while its shape is unassuming, its hi-tech closure system is a unique play on the synergy between “pure lines and perfect proportion.” And it’ll look damn good on your countertop.

In the event, you are riddled with questions about men’s fragrance, here are a few responses from the experts below:

What’s the difference between an eau de toilette and an eau de parfum for men?

Eau de toilette and eau de parfum may sound similar, but they’re entirely different. Thankfully, it’s easy to remember what makes each unique. Essentially, an eau de toilette is lighter and wispier than an eau de parfum, which tends to be more concentrated, and is thus stronger in aroma. The two vary in intensity, with eau de parfum containing a higher strength and concentration of fragrance. Because the fragrance profile of an eau de toilette is lighter, this is what most people turn to for daily use. The product has more essential oils and a lower alcohol content, making it suitable for daily use.

That said, for some people, an eau de toilette doesn’t have as strong a staying power on the skin as an eau de parfum, but of course, this all depends on the structure of the fragrance itself as well as the wearer. In contrast, an eau de parfum may be overpowering and only fit for a special occasion. Some companies offer the same scent in both an eau de toilette and an eau de parfum version—in this case, it’s likely that the fragrance is exactly the same, but the concentrations in each differ.

What’s the best way to wear a cologne so it lasts?

Looking to make the most of your cologne? There are several do’s and don’ts to be mindful of.

• Hydrate your skin: Ensuring your skin is well-hydrated pre-spritzing can make all the difference in the longevity of your cologne application. Moisturizing your skin prior to applying your cologne gives the fragrance something to stick on and absorb into—unlike applying it to dry skin, which can cause it to be prone to evaporating quicker.

• Apply after a shower: It’s best to apply your cologne immediately following a shower for the same reason you apply it to moisturized skin. After coming out of the shower, your pores are open and your skin is damp, making it better able to absorb the cologne and deliver a long-lasting scent.

• Apply to pulse points: The old advice of spritzing your cologne onto your wrists to make it last longer is dead-on. This is because your wrist is a pulse point and is where your veins are closest to the skin’s surface. This creates a warmer environment for the scent to stick to, which ultimately helps it last longer.

• Avoid rubbing wrists together: Rubbing your wrists together after application can break down the fragrance, making it escape from your skin sooner and ultimately counteracting what you’re trying to accomplish.

• Don’t over-apply: Whatever you do, resist the urge to over-apply your cologne. While you may think spritzing on half the bottle will make the scent last longer, colognes are meant to be sprayed one to two times (especially if you’re not using the eau de toilette variety). Also, many formulas are designed to distribute different notes as they sit on your skin throughout the day, and over-applying can hinder this natural process.

Does cologne go on skin or clothes?

Some people prefer misting their cologne into the air and walking through it. That’s fine; however, others make the prime mistake of spritzing it directly onto their clothes. This is a faux pas because colognes are meant to mix with the natural oils of your skin, not the fabric of your clothes. While application to your clothes may make your shirt or jacket smell good, it doesn’t allow the cologne to actually hit your skin. This can hinder its longevity, and can create nasty stains on your garments.

Does Vaseline help cologne last longer?

If you’re looking to extend the life of your cologne, applying Vaseline to your pulse points (your wrists and neck) before spritzing on your product can be effective. Like moisturizing your skin pre-application (and applying cologne onto damp skin right after a shower), Vaseline creates a sticky surface for the cologne to stick to and allows the formula to last longer than it would have if it were applied straight onto dry skin. Some other areas you can apply Vaseline to for a long-lasting effect are your knees, inner elbows and neck.

How long does a bottle of cologne last?

The standard shelf life of a bottle of cologne varies, but it’s typically three to five years. Still, you should always check the label of your product to confirm. Because fragrance isn’t like food in the sense of having an expiration date, in some cases it may be appropriate to continue using it past the five-year mark. Formulas with heavier base notes tend to be longer-lasting, while oil-based fragrances as well as those with citrus notes tend to have a shorter shelf life. In either case, if your product smells sour, appears oxidized, or boasts an acidic or metallic scent, this may be a sign that too much oxygen entered your bottle and it may be time to toss it.

Does cologne cover body odor? Fragrances are unique in that, as they linger, they mix with your body’s natural chemistry to create a distinct scent that’s unique to you. This is why the way a cologne smells on one person may be completely different from how the same formula smells on you. When it comes to body odor, cologne definitely isn’t a replacement for deodorant. That being said, one school of thought is that cologne can actually complement body odor. Some studies have even shown that the chemistry between a cologne and your natural odor is linked to attracting potential sexual partners. Do your research and search out the best colognes for men.

Is it okay to put cologne under your armpits?

While cologne should be applied directly to the skin to increase its longevity and wear time, applying it directly onto your armpits can be the source of irritation—especially if you have sensitive skin to begin with. Some argue that doing so can have an effect on melanin production in this area—in other words, it can lead to the darkening of armpits—though there’s little science to back this claim up. That being said, if you’re concerned with sweaty armpits and don’t have a deodorant on hand, you may be able to get away with doing a spritz or two on your underarm area while wearing a shirt.

How should I store my cologne?

Don’t ignore the “store in a cool, dry place” on the bottle of your colognes—they’re written on there for a good reason. Many people store their fragrances in their bathroom, but because your bathroom tends to be a warm, moist environment, it’s not the best choice of storage when it comes to your fragrance.

Your cologne is best stored in its original box, standing upright, and in a cool environment such as your nightstand, inside your closet or tucked inside your dresser drawer. Also, avoid putting your fragrance in the refrigerator—while this may prove to be beneficial for your hydrogel sheet mask, your fridge can oxidize the cologne or degrade the formula.

What are the different layers of fragrance notes in a cologne?

Fragrances are an intricate grooming essential in that they contain many layers (or notes). The notes of a cologne refer to what you smell from the beginning of the application to what you smell hours afterward. Think of fragrance notes like a pyramid, with the top notes being at the peak, heart (or middle) notes in the center, and the base notes on the bottom. The lower you go on the pyramid, the longer that note is meant to last.

• Top notes: Think of the top notes of a fragrance as the topmost layer of the formula. This is what you smell when you first spritz on the product or apply it to a tester. This initial scent is what attracts (or detracts) people from purchasing, as it’s like the “first impression” of meeting the fragrance. Top notes have a high level of volatility, meaning they evaporate within the first five to 15 minutes of application.

• Heart (or middle) notes: Heart notes, often referred to as middle notes, form the center of the pyramid. This layer usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes on the wearer, and it makes up the guts of the fragrance as it presents new notes to deepen the fragrance.

• Base notes: Like heart notes, base notes offer a depth to the fragrance and form the longest-lasting layer of the fragrance—7 hours or more. This is the layer of the cologne that lingers the longest, and these notes tend to be richer as they sink into the skin.

What are the most common notes in a cologne?

While every cologne formula is different, there are a few common notes that make up each layer of a cologne.

• Top notes: That first impression you get with a top note can either make you fall in love with a cologne or deter you from it completely. Common top notes include lemon, basil, lavender, rose and orange. These notes are often lighter and fresher than the others, and typically have a citrus, floral or fruit component.

•Heart (or middle) notes: Heart notes give off the truest scent of a cologne. The most common heart notes include cinnamon, cardamom, geranium and jasmine. This layer gives off a spice, wood or musk note depending on the cologne.

• Base notes: Because base notes last longest on the skin, choosing a cologne that contains the one that suits your preferences is key. Popular base notes in a cologne can include sandalwood, cedarwood, musk, patchouli and vanilla. These notes tend to be full-bodied and can vary from herbal (by way of rosemary and basil) to woody (with earthier notes like sandalwood).

How do I layer fragrances?

Layering fragrances can be seen as an art form. Layering is not to be confused with over-applying—it simply adds more depth and richness to the fragrance by way of using body wash, body lotion and cologne. This can ultimately make for a much longer-lasting scent, and can help you create the signature scent people will know you by. Ultimately, this fragrance cocktailing—or custom blending—tells those around you about your unique personality or your current emotional state. It’s like a mood ring, but with fragrances.

Layering your fragrances doesn’t have to mean spritzing on more than one cologne. If you’re looking to layer your fragrance, first choose your base layer. This includes a scented body wash that will provide the faintest aroma as you build up your layers. Next, use a hydrating body lotion to seal in your scent. This will also make for a longer staying power.

Finally, if you choose to layer your colognes, begin with the strongest scent and work your way down to the lightest scent. Applying in this order will ensure your strong colognes don’t overpower your lighter ones. You can also start with an eau de parfum and layer on an eau de toilette. If you’re concerned about going overboard with layering, avoid layering two heavy, full-bodied scents, as this can be overwhelming for the nose.